Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) announced on February 27 that the construction of the new hospital in Aboyne, Ontario has reached substantial completion.

“With the achievement of this major milestone, the hospital will have full access to, and control of the building, “said GMCH president and CEO Stephen Street. “During the next few months, the contractor will complete remaining minor construction deficiencies, and staff will begin preparing for occupancy.”

Construction of the $127-million facility was performed by a consortium led by EllisDon, and began in 2017. The new, 45-bed hospital will replace the former Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, Ontario. The new hospital features double the space for the emergency, diagnostic imaging and ambulatory care departments and parking for up to 320 vehicles. The facility is expected to begin providing patient-care services in the spring.

“Over the next few months, hospital staff and physicians will begin orientation and training in the new facility by familiarizing themselves with the changes in space, workflow, processes, technology and equipment” said GMCH VP of patient services and chief nursing executive Jill Schitka. “Simulations of real-life patient care scenarios will be conducted as a test and practice to see how the teams will work in the new environment. We will ensure everything works smoothly for opening to ensure safe delivery of patient care.”

Located between the communities of Elora and Fergus the new 152,000-square-foot facility backs on to the Elora Cataract Trailway. Over the past two and a half years, the new Groves Hospital has taken shape on 30 acres of rural land located behind the Wellington County Museum and kitty-corner to the Wellington Terrace Long-term Care Home.